Investors from around the world are shifting their focus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Mega-projects are being built here — Disneyland, The Sphere like in Las Vegas, and the Etihad Rail high-speed railway. For investors, this is a chance to get in early and profit from the increase in value. The article discusses the key islands of the UAE capital that are worth considering.
We live in Dubai and assist investors from around the world, helping them to set up companies, obtain visas and select projects with high potential.
Why Abu Dhabi Is in the Spotlight — And Why Its Islands Stand Out
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the second largest city after Dubai. Abu Dhabi often remains in the shadow of its neighbour, and the emirate is not talked about as often, even though it is highly developed. Abu Dhabi's investment potential is no lower than that of Dubai.
Here's why real estate in Abu Dhabi is set to grow:
The Government's Goal Is to Increase The Population
By 2040, the population of Abu Dhabi is planned to increase to 6 million people, and now this number exceeds 4.1 million people. Between 2011 and 2024 alone, the number of residents in the emirate grew by 83%, so the forecast is realistic. The main focus is on attracting specialists in the field of technology and science.
The authorities will do everything possible to ensure that the population continues to grow. Along with the number of residents, the demand for housing and the cost of real estate will increase — something for investors to note.
The Authorities Are Investing Money in The Development of The Emirate
In the coming years, 65 billion dirhams ($17.6 billion) will be allocated to transport infrastructure to create comfortable conditions for living and doing business. The money will go towards new roads, tunnels and smart traffic systems. In addition, the city is actively developing artificial intelligence, vertical farms and unmanned transport. By 2030, 20% of taxis will be autonomous.
At the same time, the capital of the UAE is already well developed: it is the safest city in the world according to Numbeo, and large companies have offices here. The average annual salary in Abu Dhabi is $49,000 according to Salary Expert. For comparison, in Dubai it is slightly higher at $50,700.
The City is Betting on Large-Scale Development of Tourism and Infrastructure
Abu Dhabi is building the first Disneyland in the Middle East, a giant sphere like the one in Las Vegas for 20,000 spectators with the largest LED dome in the world. Etihad Rail, a high-speed railway that will take passengers to Dubai in 30 minutes, is also being launched. Plus, five new world-class museums will transform the UAE capital into the cultural centre of the Middle East.
World-Class Brands Are Coming to Abu Dhabi
Well-known brands are building their projects in the UAE capital:
- Four Seasons — the brand's first coastal complex in the emirate
- Bvlgari — a resort on a horseshoe-shaped island, which will feature the most expensive residences in the capital
- St. Regis — a tower in the financial centre of the UAE capital
These brands first came to Dubai, and now it's Abu Dhabi's turn. This shows that global luxury brands see the emirate as promising.
Abu Dhabi May Receive A Casino Licence
Las Vegas-based MGM Resorts International applied for a gaming licence in the UAE capital in September 2024. No decision has yet been made on casinos in Abu Dhabi. According to CBRE analysts, the likelihood of obtaining a licence is high.
What Is Happening with Abu Dhabi Real Estate
The real estate market in the capital of the Emirates is growing steadily. Over the past year, prices have increased by 18%, and rents in the most promising areas have risen by 27%.
Saadiyat Island has become the leader, with housing prices rising by 30%. This is all thanks to limited supply and high demand from investors.
Take a look at the infographic to see how prices have grown in individual real estate segments in the UAE capital:
The Most Promising Islands in Abu Dhabi for Investors
We have compiled a list of the best locations for investment in Abu Dhabi: Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Fahid Island, Ramhan Island, and Hudayriyat Island — and provided detailed information about them.
Yas Island is Abu Dhabi's entertainment hub, covering an area of 25 square kilometres. The island is home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld water park, a Formula 1 track and dozens of hotels. This makes it a popular destination for tourists.
The first Disneyland in the Middle East will be built on Yas Island by 2030, the Walt Disney Company announced in May. It will be the seventh Disney park in the world and the most modern, adapted to the culture and style of the Emirates.
What is known about the first Disneyland in the Middle East:
- The park will be located on the coastline, by the water
- It will take 5-6 years to build — no specific dates have been announced yet, but it will take about a year to design
- The park will be built and managed by Miral, an Emirati company that operates several entertainment facilities on Yas Island
How the construction of Disneyland will change Abu Dhabi:
- New jobs — on average, 7-12 thousand people work in one theme park, depending on the season
- Tax revenue — for example, the park in Florida pays $1 billion in taxes in various forms, and in Paris it accounts for 6% of France's tourism revenue
- Development of local business is the ‘anchor’ effect works perfectly — everyone tries to be closer to Disney
Saadiyat is a cultural island with an area of 27 square kilometres. Prices and rents here are growing faster than the city average: over the past year, housing prices have risen by 30% and rents by 27%. The average cost per square metre has reached $12,251.
The rest of the museums are scheduled to open by the end of the year: the Zayed National Museum by Norman Foster, the Guggenheim Museum, the Natural History Museum, and several world-class galleries. CNN filmed a separate episode about the Saadiyat cultural cluster, which you can watch here.
Saadiyat is becoming a global cultural centre. It is home to the Louvre and the TeamLab Phenomena technology museum — we visited it and recorded a tour for you on YouTube:
Saadiyat Island is also known for its turquoise water beaches, gated communities, and low building density. Four Seasons Private Residences Saadiyat Beach, the brand's first coastal complex in the UAE capital, was recently announced here.
This is a prestigious location, more suitable for capital preservation and rental.
Al Reem is one of the key elements of the Abu Dhabi 2030 master plan and a new magnet for capital. The island, with an area of 8.8 square kilometres, ranks in the top three in terms of transaction volume and price growth rates. However, compared to other key locations, it is still undervalued.
Al Reem has been developed as a fully-fledged district: it is home to Sorbonne University, Repton and GEMS schools, Cleveland Clinic hospital, Reem Mall shopping centre with restaurants and fashion brands, promenades and parks. The transport system is well developed, and a metro will be built in the future. Therefore, demand for rentals is stable. Here are the average rates for the year according to Bayut:
- Studios — $17,150
- 1-bedroom — $22,870
Al Reem may repeat the success of Saadiyat, where the price per square metre rose from $4,290 to $7,799 between 2021 and 2024.
Fahid is a 3.4 square kilometre wellness district focused on wellbeing and the world's first island to receive Fitwel certification and comply with healthy building standards. It will feature low-density development, greenery and architectural designs from an Australian firm.
What is known:
- There will be more than 6,000 residences — apartments, villas,
- 4.6 km of beaches, a mangrove promenade, salt springs,
- 15 km of walking trails, 10 km of running tracks and 3 cycling routes,
- A promenade with a shopping boulevard featuring cafés, galleries and shops,
- 30% of the island will be green spaces, including parks, gardens, trails and mangrove forests,
- An international school will be built on the island, and the entire area will be completely pedestrianised
Construction on Fahid Island began recently, in 2025. It is surrounded by world-class tourist centres — Yas and Saadiyat — and is 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi Airport and an hour from Dubai.
The main developer responsible for the development of the location is Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi's leading developer, whose construction quality is used as a benchmark by other developers in the UAE. Aldar received $953 million in the week after sales began on the island. 67% of sales were to expats and foreign buyers. The leaders include the UAE, Russia, the UK and China.
Ramhan is one of Abu Dhabi's most ambitious locations. The area is located between Yas and Saadiyat Islands, just 15 minutes from the airport and an hour's drive from Dubai. Developer Eagle Hills is building a resort town here with villas, apartments and floating residences.
Each house has a private beach, swimming pool, jacuzzi and outdoor fireplace. A real dream among the mangrove forests and azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.
The following will be built on the 4 sq km island of Ramhan:
- 1,800 villas
- 900 apartments
- 120 serviced residences
- 120 residential units in a five-star hotel
The island will be divided into four communities: Marine Villas, Cove Villas, Breeze Villas and Views Villas. All of them will be surrounded by bays and mangrove trees.
By 2029, premium villas under the Ritz-Carlton brand from Marriott International and Eagle Hills will appear here.
The island's infrastructure will be like that of a resort: a yacht club with 120 berths, a promenade with restaurants, a wellness centre with sea pools, eco-water parks, areas for kayaking and yoga, and stargazing areas. At the same time, the developer is paying attention to ecology: 30% of the territory will be occupied by green spaces.
Hudaity is a paradise for athletes in the UAE capital and an area for an active lifestyle. A sports cluster is being formed here:
- 321 activities — from surfing on the world's largest artificial wave to football fields, tennis courts, a velodrome and CrossFit
- The island hosts international competitions, sports academies and training bases
The island of Hudayriyat also has beaches with Maldivian sand, yacht moorings and walking areas. The sunsets here are very beautiful. All this makes the island a comfortable place to live and relax.
Residential neighbourhoods on the island are just beginning to take shape. Developers are announcing new launches, and demand for them is high — the best layouts are snapped up even before sales begin. If you want to be the first to know about exciting launches, subscribe to the Inside Realty digest and we will keep you informed.
What's the Bottom Line
Abu Dhabi is preparing for a big leap forward. Thanks to mega-projects, new museums, Disneyland and large-scale infrastructure development plans, the UAE capital is becoming one of the most interesting destinations for investors.
The main islands — Yas, Saadiyat, Al Reem, Fahid, Ramhan and Hudayriyat — will be the focus of attention in the coming years.
Now is the perfect time to enter Abu Dhabi's growing property market. Be among the first investors to secure your place. Submit your request for a consultation now.
23/09/2025
Majan
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